closed starter for: @harrywrites
based on: Mr. Babadook - Argyle Goolsby
"Feels like I've known you all my life," Essie admitted quietly, her brows drawing together in something that looked suspiciously like confusion. Because she was confused. Terribly so. She didn't usually connect with anyone. Admittedly, that was intentional on her part. It wasn't worth the risk of hurting someone if she slipped. Worse than that though, nothing ever felt real. The curse of who she was, of what she was, meant that there were countless men who felt a blind pull to her. Not just attraction, it was prey being drawn in by a predator who only ever wanted to run the other way. It was always hollow. They didn't want her. They didn't know her. This felt shockingly real though. He felt real. She wasn't sure if that was wonderful or terrifying or both, but her cheeks still warmed at the thought. "Seems a little bit silly that I was scared before,"